Great, Great Harbor

From the anchorage in the banks behind Hoffman’s, White and Foul Cay we can hear the oceans roar a half a mile away. This location is far enough in that little ocean swell can get to us. The wind is out of the east and the islands block most of their influence except for pointing us into the small waves that lap against the side of the hull. That and our flapping Bahamian courtesy flag are the sounds tonight. This is our fourth night, Jan 28, and the second anchorage in the Berry Island chain north of Nassau.
To balance the stress of boat projects and remember why we’re here we plan some fun. Sunday we packed lunch, snorkel gear, and chairs for exploring from Great Harbor north. We started snorkeling at the site of a DC3 plane wreck. It’s alleged that the plane crashed with a load of marijuana back in July 1983. The engine top was right at the surface so snorkeling around was easy, interesting and a bit eerie. Also some reviews online and the fuel dock attendant said concerns about sharks kept people away so we (Carl and I) were quick. Close by we looked at our first black hole. This deep circle of water surrounded by 3ft depth was an interesting sight.
From there we noticed a boat that shuttles people to the cruise ship Islands racing through nearby shallows. Following them led to a winding trip through the mangroves. This back waterway was very cool with fast turtles, black and brown rays and big orange starfish. Around the top of Lignumvitae Cay and down Cistern Cay back to the DC3 where a beach served for our picnic and meeting location with other cruisers. Dot and Glen from Florida had their dinghy rigged for fishing and they said here was some of the best fishing in the Bahamas. After a shower we finished off the day with dinner out. The conversations between the 2 tables in this small restaurant were fun. Returning in the pitch dark was cool.
Carl and I were able to help each other with projects. He had the same problem with his auto pilot that I am having so he was able to give me instructions on removing and diagnosing. I was able to assist him with the removal of the forward stay in order to replace a piece of the roller furling.
On the crossing it became clear that my radio was not working as well as it should so I cleaned the connections down below but needed to get up to the top of the 62 ft mast to finish. Sheri and Carl worked the lines and brought me to the top. I was able to clean the connection and install a new wind vane but needed to make a second trip up to finish. The winds were now blowing above the mid teens so we canceled the 2nd trip up and Carl went to get Debbi so we could walk across the island.
Soon after Carl left the winds dropped and Sheri started to haul me up till I got 3/4 of the way and she said there was something wrong and the line looked like it was burnt. From my vantage point I could see that the main lifting line was caught between the wheel and the block housing. The block was coming apart. Through careful directions she switched the load (me) to the secondary line. After I disconnected the compromised line she lowered me and we saw how serious it was. Ahh isn’t boating fun.
The fun was later when after a trip across the island to a closed beach bar we were all invited to a pot luck at the marina. Good food, music and company made our last night in this harbor a treat.

PS It is a heart stopper to see the green/blue color of the normally red diesel as I pour it in the tank...I wish I knew earlier!